Abstract
A novel model for the potential distribution across a membrane surface in an electrolyte solution proposed recently by us is reviewed with particular emphasis on the role of the Donnan potential. This model assumes that a membrane has a surface layer in which charged groups are distributed and that the electrolyte ions can penetrate the surface charge layer. Electrophosesis problems, effects of nonuniform charge distribution in the surface layer, and the electrostatic interaction of membranes with surface charge layers are discussed along the line of the present model.
